The Rosenbergs didn't tell the Soviets that the sun rose in the east

[dsc]

I admit to be rather confused listening to the defenders of the NSA during the latest leaks. One the one hand we are told Edward Snowden is a traitor, equal to the Rosenbergs, while on the other we are told that what he leaked we already knew. You can't have it both ways. If Snowden is a traitor and needs to be punished as the Rosenbergs were, then the leaks would have to be rather substantial, like the secret to the h bomb was. If, on the other hand, Snowden told us the sun rises in the east, then he isn't the second coming of the Rosenbergs.

I admit, I am no expert. I haven't a clue as to which attacks were prevented and which weren't by this program and without that knowledge I can't make a judgement. This is an equation and we have no idea what is on either side right now. What we do know is disturbing. I have a huge problem with the government having our phone lugs and our email logs. I also have a problem with private contractors having access to as much information as Mr. Snowden had. Even without conversations, it is quite easy to find out a lot about a person given who he or she calls. Add in who that person emails and the amount you know goes up exponentially.

Another disturbing development is the rank dishonesty of Mr. Clapper in an exchange with Senator Wyden. He out and out lied. Just how is he supposed to be trusted again? By default, we have to trust Congress and the Courts on this. We can't know the details of this and still have it work. Congress and the Courts have to. Mr. Clapper needs to be replaced by someone who will tell the truth.

My suggestion to fix this mess. One, replace Mr. Clapper. Two, put forth a list of attacks that were thwarted by this program. Three, restrict the program to government employees, no more contractors. Four, have a select committee of Congress come up with recommendations that get up or down vote by the rest of Congress. Five, let Justice Ginsberg appoint half of the FISA court along with Roberts.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. 6th all this has to come under review every five years

And sunset these laws after a while

7.-, no renewal without briefing every member of congress, with open hearings for a good percentage.

I expect none of this to happen. We are three year olds and will continue to be treated as such by the government, regardless of letter behind a name.

[dsc]

4. I like your six and seven

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Ironically both came from the original USPA.

It had a sunset clause.

And hearings were part of it. As bad as the enabling act was...it had those two. Why Sensenbrenner, of all people, is a tad on the torqued side. Believe it or not, he discovered how much he was not briefed. I ain't a fan, but he's torqued. Especially on section 215, business communications.

Of course he has voted for every renewal, but hey, at least some are angry now.

[dsc]

6. well that is what happens when the other side gets powers

you think only your side may ever get. You get torqued.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. It's truly party independent

And I blame both for it equally. In fact, at this point, I will pay attention to the local judge race, the local city council, the local boards...after that kids you are on your own. I feel the same way I did at 18 when I first voted for the PRI. It makes no difference, we just do it to keep in practice for when it matters.

I might even write in Eugene W Debbs...in all federal posts.

[leveymg]

2. Good job summing up some of the many contradictions of the NSA's many programs.

[pnwmom]

3. All your recommendations sound good to me.

Though I'm not convinced Mr. Clapper deliberately lied, I think he has lost credibility in that position.

[midnight]

8. Snowden: It’s An Honor To Be Called A Traitor By Dick Cheney

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/snowden-its-honor-to-be-called-traitor-

[BAPhill]

9. It doesn't matter...

Everyone with this type of clearance is briefed on, and must sign an acknowledgment of, the consequences of revealing information. Snowden willingly crossed that line, therefore committed an illegal act...regardless of anyones opinion of the NSA.

[OutNow]

10. And what makes you think the Rosenbergs knew about the secret of the H bomb?

There was no secret to the H bomb. It was all hysteria whipped up by the right wing. Ethel Rosenberg never committed the acts that the government claimed she did. They convicted her to use as a pawn to encourage Julius to confess to the charges. When that didn't work they murdered her. There is a ton of public information available to study about the Rosenberg case. Next time you want to make a comparison about traitorous acts you can use Dick Cheney as the straw man.

[Hekate]

11. Good post.

I like your summary of the contradictions, and your suggestions.

[dsc]

12. kick